The Rochester Post is pleased to present the second annual Best of the Lilac City, a contest recognizing popular businesses, nonprofits, services, and cultural events in Rochester, New Hampshire.

There are a wide variety of categories, including Best Restaurant, Retail Shop, Automotive Repair, Nonprofit, etc. There are also several fun categories to recognize Rochester’s Best Hamburger, Ice Cream, Happy Hour, and so on.

Mayor Paul Callaghan is encouraging residents and business owners to make their voices heard by submitting their nominations online. Callaghan describes the contest as a fun and easy way for people to support their favorite local establishments.

“We have so many great businesses and nonprofit groups in Rochester,” said Callaghan. “We want to give everyone a chance to shine a light on the people that are working hard to make Rochester a great place to live, work, and visit.”

Click here to submit your nominations. Voting ends Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Winners will be announced on the Choose Rochester podcast on March 2. Award Honorees receive city-wide bragging rights and a graphic to share on their websites and social media pages.

There is no cost associated with this contest. Best of the Lilac City is not associated with or sponsored by any business or private organization.

Past Honorees (2021)

1. Auto Dealer: First City Motors
2. Automotive Service Center: Country Tire
3. Bank or Credit Union: HRCU
4. Hair Salon or Barber Shop: Hair Studio 71
5. Contractor: Vetter Foundations
6. Cultural Event or Activity: PorchFest
7. Dance Studio: Studio 109
8. Fast Food Restaurant: McDonald’s
9. Garden Store or Landscaping: Studley’s Flower Gardens
10. Grocery Store: Market Basket
11. Insurance Company: Bernier Insurance
12. Legal Firm: Dan Harkinson 
13. Live Entertainment Venue: Rochester Opera House
14. Local News Source: Foster’s Daily Democrat
15. Medical or Dental Office: East Rochester Family Dentistry
16. Nonprofit Organization or Charity: Cornerstone VNA
17. Real Estate Agent: Hourihane, Cormier & Associates
18. Restaurant: Lilac City Grille
19. Retail Shop: Skeletone Records
20. Skincare, Nails, and Beauty (Not Salon): Progressive Esthetics
21. Second-hand Shop: Collectiques
22. Specialty Shop: Sweet Peaches Candy and Confections
23. Tattoo Shop: Hobos
24. Visual Art Venue: Rochester Museum of Fine Arts
25. Best Appetizer: Lilac City Grille
26. Best Beer Selection: Revolution Taproom & Grille
27. Best Breakfast or Brunch: Fallen Leaf Bistro
28. Best Coffee: Aroma Joe’s
29. Best Dessert: Potter’s House Bakery
30. Best Hamburger: Wild Willy’s
31. Best Happy Hour: Revolution Taproom & Grille
32. Best Ice Cream: Lago’s Lone Oak
33. Best Lobster Roll: Lago’s Lone Oak
34. Best Pizza: Clemento’s Pizzeria and Brew
35. Best Sandwich: Moe’s Italian Sandwiches
36. Best Wings: Lilac City Grille
37. Best Vegetarian Options: 110 Grill